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The emperor had only a few estates in Italy, slaves
on a moderate scale, and his household was confined to a few freedmen. If
ever he had a dispute with a private person, it was decided in the law
courts. All this, not indeed with any graciousness, but in a blunt fashion
which often alarmed, he still kept up, until the death of Drusus changed
everything. While he lived, the system continued, because Sejanus, as yet
only in the beginning of his power, wished to be known as an upright
counsellor, and there was one whose vengeance he dreaded, who did not
conceal his hatred and incessantly complained "that a stranger was invited
to assist in the government while the emperor's son was alive. How near was
the step of declaring the stranger a colleague? Ambition at first had a
steep path before it; when once the way had been entered, zealous adherents
were forthcoming. Already, at the pleasure of the commander of the guards, a
camp had been established; the soldiers were given into his hands; his
statues were to be seen among the monuments of Cneius Pompeius; his
grandsons would be of the same blood as the family of the Drusi. Henceforth
they must pray that he might have self-control, and so be contented." So
would Drusus talk, not unfrequently, or only in the hearing of a few
persons. Even his confidences, now that his wife had been corrupted, were
betrayed.